Bronson traps: What are they?

[OERRFailRanner]

While watching a High Iron video, I noticed the term "Bronson traps."

His brief description was as stated: 

"It was the southern's way of dismembering an interstate train's route by cutting off service at a state line, made possible by a loophole in the ICC's rulings."

Thiswas in the video "The United States already tried High-speed rail"

Thanks!

[Electroliner 1935]

OERRFailRanner

While watching a High Iron video, I noticed the term "Bronson traps."

His brief description was as stated: 

"It was the southern's way of dismembering an interstate train's route by cutting off service at a state line, made possible by a loophole in the ICC's rulings."

Thiswas in the video "The United States already tried High-speed rail"

Thanks!

Back in the late 60's, the Southern Pacific tried to make passengers stop using its san Francisco-Seattle train by removing though checked bagage service. IntraState baggage service was still provided as required by the state POC's but the ICC did not. I rode the train in '68 and our sleepers vestibule was stacked with luggage. We at least had a good dining car, and not a vending machine car as they did with the Sunset route.

[samfp1943]

Electroliner 1935

OERRFailRranner

While watching a High Iron video, I noticed the term "Bronson traps."

His brief description was as stated: 

"It was the southern's way of dismembering an interstate train's route by cutting off service at a state line, made possible by a loophole in the ICC's rulings."

Thiswas in the video "The United States already tried High-speed rail"

Thanks!

 

 

Back in the late 60's, the Southern Pacific tried to make passengers stop using its san Francisco-Seattle train by removing though checked bagage service. IntraState baggage service was still provided as required by the state POC's but the ICC did not. I rode the train in '68 and our sleepers vestibule was stacked with luggage. We at least had a good dining car, and not a vending machine car as they did with the Sunset route.

 

 

            With no posted link to OP's comments.My best guess,and My thoughts, to the OP's question;

 

 Is possibly that there may be a mis-pronunciation of the term "Bronson"/or 'Bronson Trap'   ?

  Is it possible the referenced name might be   "Brosnan" ?

 

D. William Brosnan was born in 1903, and from 1931 until 1983  he was empoyed by Southern Railway; served in a number of positions, started as a track engineer there, and worked into president of the Southern Rwy.  He served, after his term as president on the Corporate Board until 1983. He passed in 1985.  His term as president, was between Harry DeButts, and W Graham Claytor.

See link: for Bio and accomplishments of D.W.B while @ Southern Rwy. . They [S.R.] ran not only their own schedules, but also a number of 'thru' trains off other carriers schedules.

    https://fee.org/articles/bill-brosnan-railroad-free-marketeer/

 

P.S. [additionaly]   D.W. (Bill) Brosnan's term in management at Southern Rwy was pre-Amtrak; during those times SR fielded a number of passernger trains, which ran off thosands of secheuled miles every month. They ran not only their schedules, but also a number of 'thru' trains, off schedules of other rail lines, as well; named thru-trains, that ran with equipment provided by other lines.   

 

 

[CSSHEGEWISCH]

A couple of examples include cutting back the "Royal Palm" from Jacksonville to Valdosta GA and the trimming of the "Augusta Special" to an intrastate service between Fort Mill and Warrenville SC.

[MP173]

Previously I asked (another thread) about books to recommend for the library.  

Brosnan, The Railroad Messiah, by Charles Morgret was recommended.  The book is difficult to find and I used the Interloan Library for Volume 1.  Fascinating and very detailed book on his life.  Volume 2 arrived last week and I am about 100 pages in.  The second volume covers from about 1964 on.  

The author was in the Public Relations Dept of Southern and had amazing access to company records and Brosnan's personal and company correspondance.  Volume 1 covers his life and career development up until he reacheds President's office and outlines his brilliance in pushing the Southern into a lean and market driven railroad.  He invented a number of MOW machines (held patents) which reduced drastically the number of employees required.  He also went to court with the ICC over the Big John grain marketing...reduced grain rates by 60% in order to move the grain (profitably) by covered hoppers rather than box cars...and took the business away from trucks and barges.

Volume 2 (so far) is more critical of Brosnan.  Once he reached President's office he purchased a turbo jet for travel and that took him off the rails.  Service suffered dramatically as he was no longer seeing the operation from the ground.  Also, he not only was not on the rails, but spent a considerable time away from the property.  Company resorts were built in South Carolina, North Carolina, and Florida.  He spent considerable time at those locations, weeks at a time.  Lots of dove hunting and fishing.  

Brosnan lamented that he didnt have effective VP/Operations to crack the whip, yet he was often away.  

This is as good of post WW2 railroad history book as one can read (IMHO).  A bit detailed at times, but easy to read.

If one can find it...read it.

 

Ed

[MP173]

Still slugging my way thru Volume 2.  Brosnan has now retired, but still holds a position as a Director of Southern.  

Graham Claytor has assumed leadership of Southern and is revamping the organization to a more decentralized entity.  Brosnan is still taking advantage of the resorts, prop-jet, and other perks from his days as President.  Claytor is pushing back, delicately.

Brosnan is now consulting with QNSL (ore railroad in Quebec).

Interesting book, but hopefully I will finish it this week.  Getting a little tired of his leadership style, but his briliance is undeniable.

Ed

[OERRFailRanner]

Thank you for the information! It seems like most Leaders of railroads fail their roads by not being on the ground... I appreciate your time!